Summary
Bonfire ships international orders DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid). This means your order total covers your items and shipping, but not any customs duties, import taxes, or VAT your country may assess on incoming packages. Those charges are collected separately, by customs or your local carrier, when your order arrives.
Why isn't this included at checkout?
Import duties and VAT/GST rates vary by country, by product type, and can change based on local regulations — so Bonfire isn't able to calculate or collect them in advance. Instead, your local customs authority (or the carrier delivering your package) assesses the applicable charges once your order reaches your country, and collects them directly from you before or at delivery.
What happens if I don't pay, or refuse the charges?
If customs charges go unpaid, your package may be:
Held at customs until the charges are paid, or
Returned to Bonfire, or
Destroyed by customs, depending on your country's regulations
Bonfire isn't able to reimburse duties, taxes, or fees charged by customs, and unfortunately can't cover the cost of a return caused by declining to pay them. We'd encourage you to check your country's import rules before placing an order if you want to avoid surprises.
Frequently asked questions
Does this apply to orders shipped within the US? No — domestic US orders are not subject to customs duties. This only applies to orders shipped outside the US.
Can Bonfire tell me exactly how much I'll owe? No — the amount is set by your country's customs authority and can depend on factors Bonfire doesn't control, like your country's current tariff rates. Your carrier's customs calculator is usually the most accurate source.
Who do I contact if I have questions about a customs charge? Reach out to the carrier delivering your package — they'll have the details of what was assessed and why. If you're not sure who's delivering your order, check your shipping confirmation email for tracking and carrier information.